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Despite its pristine beaches, legendary waves and virtually untouched tropical forests, the small Central American country of El Salvador has not become overrun with tourists like some of its neighbors. In the 1980s and early 1990s, the country's bloody civil war kept visitors away; since then, the country has carved out a small but increasingly profitable ecotourism industry and has attracted the attention of surfers worldwide. Visitors enjoy the country's natural attractions, historical sites and bustling metropolitan San Salvador.

Natural Splendor

El Salvador's tallest mountain, El Pital, sits near the country's northern border with Honduras. Visitors touring El Pital often stay in the foothill city of San Ignacio; from San Ignacio, tourists can set out on one of many forested trails. The country's numerous volcanoes -- most of which are inactive -- are another tourist draw. The San Salvador Volcano is a popular hiking spot for tourists and locals alike. Other attractions not to be missed are Los Chorros, a natural waterfall, and Lago de Ilopango, a crater lake with warm water.

Surf Spots

Professional and recreational surfers from all over the globe flock to El Salvador's beaches. The nation features about 190 miles of coastline; the Pacific Ocean generates waves almost year-round. La Libertad, about a half-hour from San Salvador, is one of the country's most visited beaches. Other beaches popular with tourists include El Zunzal, El Tunco and El Zonte. El Salvador's surf is best during its rainy season, between May and November.

Historic Sites

The Mayan ruins of Tazumal -- near Santa Ana -- are considered to be El Salvador's best-preserved ruins; don't miss the stone pyramids, life-sized statues and ancient artifacts. Other Mayan ruins popular with tourists include La Joya de Ceren, Casablanca and San Andres. Most of these sites have an adjacent museum. Another historic site is Panchimalco Indian Village, near San Salvador. Residents of this town are some of the nation's only surviving Pipil Indians; most were killed in a 1932 massacre carried out by the nation's government.

Major Cities

San Salvador is the nation's capital; this bustling city is home to almost half of El Salvador's citizens. Visitors marvel at the city's Spanish colonial architecture, enjoy traditional Salvadoran fare like pupusas and spend hours shopping at the city's vast malls, such as Metrocentro on Boulevard Los Heroes. The city is also home to several magnificent old churches built in a variety of styles, from the Basilica of La Ceiba of Our Lady of Guadalupe to La Candelaria Church. Other prominent Salvadoran cities include Metapan, Santa Ana and San Miguel.

About the Author

Ginger Yapp has been writing professionally since 2006, specializing in travel and film topics. Her work has appeared in such publications as "USA Today" and online at Hotels.com. Yapp also has experience writing and editing for a small California newspaper. She earned her B.A. in film and media studies and has worked as an ESL teacher at an international school.